Health & Wellness

#OwnYourStory: How To Nurture Our Mental Health Through Self-Care

Krizzia and Alyannah are members of the Youth For Mental Health Coalition, Inc., an organization that advocates for mental health consciousness among the Filipino youth and aims to end the stigma on mental illness.

Self-care is underrated. Before we are able to share ourselves to others, we must learn to take good care of ourselves first, because, as they say, you cannot give what you do not have. It's also a form of keeping ourselves on track especially for overthinkers like me.

And if you're looking for ways to practice self-care on the daily, here's to hoping that you can learn a thing or two from my own routine:

1. Learn something new every day.

If you’re curious or interested in a certain topic, why not try to spend some time studying it? If you’re into sports, why not try to enroll or book yourself a session with a trainer? It’s a great way to distract your attention from thinking negative stuff about yourself.

2. Read as much as you can.

If you love reading as much I do, this one is for you. Books offer a variety of feelings and experiences. Reading is perfect for those people who just want to relax and spend their time alone.

3. Stay away from toxic individuals.

Whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or even a family member, you need to distance yourself from them if they give you lots of distress. It is not selfishness but a mere acceptance that you have the right to walk away from people who do not seem to respect and understand you.

4. Build connections with people who have positive and realistic outlook in life.

Joining support or interest groups can make a huge impact in maintaining positive perspectives despite unfortunate changes in life. Being with someone who has the same experience, interest, or values as yours can teach you ways of management. But, be mindful that even though our encounters are the same, our environment and characters are entirely different and that has a valuable effect on our management.

5. Love yourself as much as you love others.

Go ahead and spoil yourself with gifts. Buy that book, dress, shoes or whatever it is that you like. Go to places you have never been. Do everything you want to make yourself happy. Feeling good about yourself is your right and responsibility. It’s already a cliché in which you need to love and accept the flaws in others, but how about your flaws? Have you learned to embrace them?

We at Chalk.ph believe that practicing self-care is one of the best ways to nurture our mental health. In partnership with the Youth For Mental Health Coalition, we asked musician Coeli San Luis and YM4H reps Yannah Lagasca and Kana Takahashi about their self-care journey. Watch the video below to let yourself be inspired by these mental health warriors: